On the market: Serene, natural setting infuses landscape and home

Published 2:09 pm, Friday, June 14, 2013

The house at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike is on the market for $1.295 million.

The house at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike is on the market for $1.295 million.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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A large deck at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike is surrounded by woodlands.

A large deck at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike is surrounded by woodlands.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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The pool at The house has an indoor Glen Gate swimming pool of a generous size with an electronic cover. The pool at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike is enclosed in a structure with a cathedral ceiling and several doors that access various areas of the property. less

The pool at The house has an indoor Glen Gate swimming pool of a generous size with an electronic cover. The pool at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike is enclosed in a structure with a cathedral ceiling and several ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

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A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the living room at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike, which also features a high cathedral ceiling.

A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the living room at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike, which also features a high cathedral ceiling.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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The kitchen at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike has a long center island, granite counters and a white subway tile backsplash.

The kitchen at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike has a long center island, granite counters and a white subway tile backsplash.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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The foyer at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike has a slate floor, stone wals, large windows and a carved wooden door.

The foyer at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike has a slate floor, stone wals, large windows and a carved wooden door.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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The dining room in the home at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike.

The dining room in the home at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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One of the four full bathrooms in the house at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike.

One of the four full bathrooms in the house at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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The master bedroom has a wall of windows overlooking the property's wooded landscape.

The master bedroom has a wall of windows overlooking the property's wooded landscape.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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This is the enclosure for the pool at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike.

This is the enclosure for the pool at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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On the market: Serene, natural setting infuses landscape and home

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No need to travel to an ashram in India or a mountainous Chinese monastery to find solitude. Peace and tranquility await the next owners of a secluded hilltop retreat in a surprisingly convenient location.

The calming contemporary house at 4466 Black Rock Turnpike sits not far from Hemlock Reservoir and within easy proximity of the Merritt Parkway. Yet this house feels like it is worlds away. A lengthy, winding and tree-lined driveway provides access to the gated property.

Architect Harry Wennings was inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright when he designed this house, which was built in 1979. Wright was famed for his prolific use of glass to bring nature into the living spaces and create residences sited harmoniously in their natural surroundings. Wennings incorporated many floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights into this house design for that same effect.

Every room has attractive views of the property's trees, shrubs and flowers. There are also terraced gardens and patios, and a sizable wood deck and a wrap-around covered deck from which to enjoy the gardens year-round.

In this home's design, one thing that is usually found outside is brought in. The house has an indoor Glen Gate swimming pool of a generous size with an electronic cover. This room has a cathedral ceiling and multiple doors that access various areas of the property.

The beauty of the house is evident from the moment one arrives at the front entrance, passing by tall rhododendrons and specimen pine trees. The L-shaped house features flat and pavilion roof lines. The doors that are immediately visible -- the two-car garage door, the wide, double front doors and a side entrance -- are each composed of wood and each has its own pattern or detail.

Step inside to the foyer and at first one might feel as though they were still outdoors. The floor is slate and the walls are stone, plus there are indoor areas that resemble outdoor flower beds for houseplants. The theme of wood, stone and glass continues throughout the 5,528-square-foot house.

A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the living room, which also features a tall cathedral ceiling.

The gourmet kitchen has a long center island, granite counters, white subway tile backsplash, dumb waiter and a hallway lined with pantry closets. Appliances include a Wolf six-burner range, warming oven and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Off the kitchen is another hallway that provides access to several rooms, including a meditation room, exercise room, shower room, laundry room and half bath.

The master bedroom suite is large and features one wall of windows, ensuring that the scenic and serene beauty of the natural setting is the first thing that one wakes to each morning.

Above the main garage is a bonus room with two ceiling fans and a large full bath with ocean blue tiles and a granite vanity. The bonus room is large enough to be divided into two rooms if necessary.

On the lower level there is a large family room, which could be used as a media room, with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and built-in bookshelves along one wall. Two walls of sliding doors lead to a pebble patio area that resembles a meditative rock garden.

Another room on this level is called the pub room. It features wall-to-wall carpeting and two stained-glass windows. On the other side of this level is a wet bar and a bedroom with an Asian-inspired sliding door to a sitting area, a walk-in closet and full bath. A sliding door opens to the yard and stone steps to a small pond and garden.

For more information or to set up an appointment to see the house, contact Jonathan Deak of Coldwell Banker at 203-257-4374 or email him at jondeakhomes@gmail.com.

OTHER INFORMATION: three bedrooms, four full and one half baths, two attached under house garages -- one with two bays and one with a single bay, full largely finished lower level, hot air propane gas heating system with oil as a back-up, laundry/utility room, rubber and wood shingle roof, zoned central air conditioning, septic system, city water, hardwood floors throughout most of house, stone walls, ceiling fans, exposed beams